RFID

Experienced event organizers already know how to use RFID to replace tickets and physical payments. In 2019, the next step will be using RFID to upgrade sponsorship experiences. A faster lead retrieval process leads to increased engagement and allows sponsors to gather data without interrupting the experience. And thus, enables sponsors to get more creative with raffles and polls operated by virtual participation.

Holograms

While not a new concept, the use of holograms within the corporate meeting space results in visually impressive outcomes. There are multiple techniques and machinery that can be utilized to create holograms or similar effects.

LEO Events most recently utilized holo-gauze, a transparent and highly reflective projection net, making it a great choice for the annual Walmart Shareholders and Associates meeting. Attendees tend to respond positively to visually stimulating presentations and holograms create unique ways for keynote speeches to be delivered and special appearances to be made.

Immersive 360º Video

Immersive 360º videos are paving the way for a virtual reality-like experience without having to use a wearable in the in event and conference space. This technology delivers quality engagement for your audience anywhere, anytime. Trade shows and other exposition events present the perfect opportunity to market your brand through the use of immersive videos. 360º videos result in high rates of engagement than with traditional marketing practices and consequently, a larger number of leads generated.

Augmented and Virtual Reality

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are two of the biggest buzzwords in the event industry as it pertains to technology right now, and for good reason. Augmented Reality is an interactive experience layering virtual items into the real-world.

Virtual Reality is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment, allowing attendees to be fully immersed and virtually transported into a different world.

Facial Recognition

Facial recognition is rapidly advancing. Algorithms are already calculating facial features, hairstyles, body shapes, expressions, and body language. In coming years, software will predict the mood of attendees by reading facial expressions and body language. This will lead to more efficient event check-in, attendee feedback, and improved on-site security.

To take advantage of this technology, encourage attendees and staff to post to Facebook and add official event photos to a branded Facebook album. After the event, remind people to tag themselves and their friends in the pictures.

Event Apps

When integrated seamlessly, event apps add tremendous value. Attendees at large scale events expect them, and sponsors benefit from the data they provide. Conference and business event apps help attendees track speakers and create networking opportunities.

Consumer event and festival apps also help attendees bookmark locations and create custom lineups. With so many to choose from, the trend for the upcoming year is to get savvy about the best apps for each event type.

Livestreaming

Despite the growing popularity of livestreaming events, myths persist about their value. If you haven’t already, it’s time to learn how to livestream your event and boost your brand. Livestreaming expands your audience beyond event capacity. Encourage attendees and staff to share your livestream with friends who couldn’t attend. They can invite people to join Facebook Live events and tweet links to their followers.

Even staffers who aren’t physically attending an event can support from afar by sharing your stream. The latest trend in livestreaming is crowdsourcing. Technology like Periscope and Facebook Live helps attendees broadcast their personal experiences easily.

Define an event hashtag and encourage attendees who broadcast their experience to use it, so you can measure the results.

Staying ahead of tech trends can insure success for attendee satisfaction as well as bring that wow factor to your next event.